LIST OF CONTENTS
Bees in the Nilgiris
NEWS FROM INDIAN STATES
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Four Andaman elephants for Kanha NP
Assam 5
Road proposed through reserved forests, Dehing-Patkai
Elephant Reserve
Rise in rhino population in
Kaziranga NP
Rs. 646 lakh relocation package
for Manas TR
Goa
Mining approved within one km of Bhagwan Mahavir WLS and
Mollem NP
Gujarat 7
Gujarat again opposes plan to relocate lions to Kuno WLS in Madhya Pradesh
Task Force recommendations for lion protection in Gir
Increase in wild ass population in Gujarat
SC allows removal of flowered dead bamboo from Purna WLS
Opposition to dam project on Renuka River; Renuka WLS
to be impacted
Rise in hangul population in Dachigam NP
Opinion divided
over proposal to include Lachipora WLS in Qazinag NP
Illegal sand mining in Nagarahole
NP
Kerala 10
Wayanad
check-post plan may impede elephant movement
Tiger cub allegedly run over by tourist
vehicle in Bandavgarh NP
No relocation of male tiger to
Panna TR
Maharashtra 12
Mining lease near Tadoba Andhari TR runs into trouble
1067 sq. kms buffer zone
for Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve
Widening of NH 17 threatens Karnala Bird Sanctuary
Taxidermy centre in Sanjay Gandhi
NP
Manipur 13
Joint military
operation against militants inside Keibul Lamjao NP
Orissa 14
Maoist attack in Simlipal TR
Increase
in Irrawady Dolphin population in Chilka
Punjab
Don’t transfer Harike WLS land to farmers: FD
Rajasthan 14
Expedition to study
status of gharial in the National Chambal Sanctuary
Tamil Nadu
Conference on Bees, Biodiversity and Forest Livelihoods in Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
Increase in wildlife numbers in
Srivilliputhur
Field
guide on flora and fauna of Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve
Uttarakhand 15
Proposal to increase area of Corbett TR
Serious irregularities in use of funds for rehabilitation of Van Gujjars from Rajaji NP
Rajaji NP to employ Gujjars for fire protection; other steps also being taken
SC hears matter related to elephant overpasses at Rajaji NP
Adventure tour
operators unhappy with limited season for trekking in Gangotri NP
Van Gujjars denied access to their grazing grounds in
Govind Pashu Vihar NP
West Bengal 16
Proposal to re-introduce Pygmy hog into Gorumara NP
Tiger
sighted in Gorumara NP after 25 years; vultures also sighted again
Fresh tiger census in the offing
TOFT to launch Wildlife Tourism Awards
SOUTH ASIA 21
Afghanistan
First national park for Afghanistan
Bangladesh
Meeting on the Sundarbans in
Bangladesh
Nearly 6000 Irrawady Dolphins found in Sundarban waters
Sri Lanka
Morningside Forest
to be declared Forest Reserve for Biodiversity Conservation
UPCOMING 22
DST Research Workshop on
wildlife in the North East
5th Vatavaran
Environment and Wildlife Film Festival
International Workshop on
Community Forestry
30th Annual Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology and
Conservation
IN THE SUPREME
COURT
READERS WRITE
Protected Area
Update
Vol. XV, No.
3, June 2009 (No. 79)
Editor: Pankaj
Sekhsaria
Editorial
Assistance: Wrutuja Pardeshi
Illustrations: Madhuvanti
Anantharajan
Produced by: Kalpavriksh
Ideas, comments,
news and information may please be sent to the editorial address:
KALPAVRIKSH,
Apartment 5, Shri Dutta Krupa, 908 Deccan Gymkhana, Pune
411004, Maharashtra, India. Tel/Fax: 020 – 25654239.
Email:
psekhsaria@gmail.com
Website: www.kalpavriksh.org
Bees in the Nilgiris
For a long time forests in India were looked upon,
primarily, as sources of timber, and everything else was concerned only a
‘minor’ forest produce. It took a long time to realize that forests give us a
lot more – non timber forest products (roots, fruits, bark, flowers, seeds,
honey etc.) that were far from minor. Importantly these were renewable
resources, were vital for millions of people who depended on these resources
and even from an economic point of view their value was huge; much larger
perhaps than the timber that could be got only once. NTFPs or non wood forest
produce (NWFP) as they are also called, have slowly but surely come
centre-stage and that is a certainly welcome step.
A
parallel in the field of wildlife studies can perhaps be drawn in the case of
smaller fauna - smaller mammals,
rodents, insects and the like have long lived in the shadows of the charismatic
species like the tiger, elephant or the rhino. Research has been limited or is
rarely heard about. Little, therefore, is known about many of these species,
the threats they face or the opportunities they offer. The good news, however,
is that this is also beginning to change and an illustration of is the
conference held recently on Bees, Biodiversity and Livelihoods in the Nilgiris
Biosphere Reserve (see news from Tamil Nadu).
The
honey bees are something so ubiquitous, we don’t actually realize how little we
know about them - their ecology, their behaviour, their migration patterns or
even the different species that are found in the wild. Most of these aspects
have simply never been studied and we are little aware of how seriously obliged
we should be to the bees and millions of other similar insects. The pollination
services that they provide, for instance, are absolutely invaluable.
The
forests of the Nilgiris are an excellent example of this. Bees are crucial for
the health and regeneration of the forests, provide us with invaluable
pollination services (pollinating coffee and cardamom for instance) and are
intricately linked with the tradition and culture of the many indigenous
communities that live here. And then there is honey, the golden liquid that
everyone loves to love.
Bee researchers and enthusiasts are extremely
excited that the landscape of the Nilgiris is perhaps the only one left in the
country where the exotic European bee Apis
mellifera has not managed to establish itself yet. There is also serious
worry that this could change sooner rather than later if we are not careful
about introductions of the exotic variety. There are other threats too – loss
of forest cover and increased used of pesticides are only two of the most
obvious ones and there is some evidence that bee populations and honey
production has indeed fallen in the last few decades. The story, we have to
realize, is bigger than just the fate of the bees. The implications, too, could
be much larger and more serious than we presently understand.
The
faster we recognize this, the better it will be.
IN MEMORY
SMITU KOTHARI: One of the most well known
figures in movements for social and environmental justice in India passed away
suddenly following a massive cardiac arrest on April 23, 2009.
He inspired and initiated a number of path breaking
initiatives; was a big advocate and supporter of indigenous knowledge systems
and was a founder member of Lokayan in Delhi.
ALAN RODGERS: A biologist and official
who worked at the Wildlife Institute for many years passed away after a
protracted illness on March 31, 2009.
He
was co-author of the voluminous 'Planning a Protected
Area Network in India" and was the moving spirit behind the MSc Wildlife
program at the Wildlife Institute of India. He had also worked extensively in
others parts of the world, particularly in Africa.
I
NEWS FROM INDIAN STATES
Four Andaman elephants for Kanha NP
Four elephants of the Andaman and Nicobar
Forest Department that were earlier used for logging activities have been
gifted to the Kanha National Park. The elephants are likely to be used for
patrolling and tourist activities.
The
animals left Port Blair in the first week of May by ship and have been presently
housed in the Arignar Anna
Zoological Park at Vandalur on the outskirts of Chennai. They will be moved to
Kanha shortly; after a period of rest and completion of formalities.
The Andaman islands have an excess
of domestic elephants now that logging here has been considerably reduced.
Source: ‘Elephants from
Andamans transported to Kanha National Park’, www.andamanchronicle.com 08/05/09
D Madhavan. ‘Andaman jumbos at Vandalur for rest’, The Times of India, 12/05/09.
Contact: CF, Wildlife, Van Sadan, Forest Department, Port Blair – 744102.
Road proposed
through reserved forests, Dehing-Patkai Elephant Reserve
A road (NH 38) to bypass Digboi Town is
being laid through the Upper Dehing (East) RF that is an extremely important
elephant habitat. Upper Dehing (East) RF, is a
part of the Digboi Forest Division and also the Dehing-Patkai Elephant
Reserve in Tinsukia district and hosts what is considered the most viable
elephant population at the extreme North-eastern end of India.
The
forests here also have habitat for many other critically endangered species
such as the White winged wood duck, tiger, Marbled cat, Hoolock gibbon and the
Clouded leopard. The Upper Dehing (East & West) RFs hold the largest known
population of the white winged wood duck, and also the second largest
population of Hoolock gibbon.
The
habitat has however been seriously fragmented over the years due a host of
activities that includes oil drilling stations, tea gardens, encroachments and
coal mining. Human elephant conflict too is severe and the proposed road will
only worsen the situation. Researchers have reported that vegetation (about
20-25 feet wide and about six kms long) to mark the route for the bypass within
the Upper Dehing (East) RF had already been cleared in violation of both, the
Forest (Conservation) Act and the Wildlife Protection Act.
In
another development the Assam Oil Division of IOC is reported to have purchased
a large tract of land here for construction of an oil terminal in the middle of
a corridor used regularly by elephants.
Source: Email from A Christy Williams.
Contact: A Christy
Williams. Email: acwill69@yahoo.com
Rise in rhino
population in Kaziranga NP
A two day census conducted in the
Kaziranga National Park in April has counted 2048 rhinos here. This is
considerably more than the figure of 1855 rhinos from the earlier census of
2006. Some of those who participated in the survey have also suggested that the
number could be higher than 2048 because grass burning was not perfect this
year and therefore visibility was limited.
The
highest number of nearly 700 rhinos was spotted in the Baguri range of the park
and it has been estimated that mothers and calves now constitute about 39 per
cent of the total rhino population in Kaziranga.
The
count this year was conducted by members of several conservation groups, local
residents, and journalists apart from forest department personnel including two
former park directors.
Source: ‘Rhino population rises in Kaziranga’, Assam Tribune, 18/04/09
Contact: Director, Kaziranga NP, PO Bokakhat,
Dist. Golaghat – 785612, Assam. Tel: 03776-268095(O), 268086®
Rs. 646 lakh
relocation package for Manas TR
The Central Government is reported to
have sanctioned Rs. 646 lakh to relocate people from inside the Manas Tiger
Reserve. A total of 912 families have been identified for the relocation.
The
reserve authorities have said that each family will be paid Rs. 10 lakhs as
part of the relocation package.
Source: ‘Delhi move to save tigers’, The Telegraph, 16/04/09
Contact: Director, Manas NP, PO Barpeta Rd.
Dist. Barpeta – 781315, Assam. Tel: 03666 – 261413. Fax: 232253 / 260253
Chief Wildlife Warden –
Assam, Rehabari, Guwahati – 781008, Assam. Tel: 0361-2566064. Fax 2547386
Mining approved within one km of Bhagwan
Mahavir WLS and Mollem NP
The Goa State Government is reported to have approved mining
leases within one-km of the boundary of the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary
and Mollem National Park. The leases were granted despite a Supreme Court Ban
and the recommendations of a state government task force.
The state
government cleared the proposals based on the contentions of the Chief Wildlife
Warden of the state that these were old leases of the Portuguese period, and
also that the lease operators had ensured enough safeguards to prevent adverse
environmental impacts here.
Three firms, the
Hede Groups, Achuta V S Velingkar and V M Salgaocar & Brother Pvt Ltd had
asked for the leases to be allowed. The lease sought to be operated by the Hede
Group is 650 metres from the boundary of the Mollem NP and requires the felling
of 2,128 trees in nine hectares of land. In the case of Velingkar, the lease is
located within 400 metres from the sanctuary limits while the third lease is on
land 550 metres from the sanctuary boundary. It seeks to mine in 8.627 hectares
of area in addition to 49.735 that has already been mined.
A State
Government Task Force had recommended that a one-km zone from the boundary of
the parks be treated as an ecologically sensitive zone (ESZ-1). The final
report on forests submitted by a state level expert committee had also revealed
that a total of 1110.81 hectares of forest land has been diverted for mining
and 547 hectares more as a buffer for mining activity. It had also recommended
that all mines operating in ESZ -1 or 2 be mandatorily phased out within five
years.
Local NGOs,
meanwhile have said that they would challenged the granting of the mining
leases in the Supreme Court.
Source: ‘Nod to mining leases despite apex court ban’, The Times of India, 03/04/09.
Contact: Director (Wildlife &
Eco-Tourism) In-Charge Mollem NP, IV Floor, Junta House, Panaji – 403001, Goa.
Tel: 0832-229701 (O), 226051(R). Fax: 0832-224747
GUJARAT
Gujarat again
opposes plan to relocate lions to Kuno WLS in Madhya Pradesh
The Gujarat State Government
has once again opposed the proposal of the Central Government to move a few
lions from Gujarat to the Kuno Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh (see
PA Updates 50, 46, 43, 34, 33, 32,
26, 22 & 20).
Arguing before a bench of the Supreme Court, the Gujarat
government’s advocate said the state's opposition to the plan was based on
solid environmental grounds. He said even the wildlife experts feel that lions
could not be relocated to experimental surroundings already inhabited by
tigers. He further said that the number of Asiatic lions was increasing in
Gujarat whereas the number of tigers in the MP forests was steadily decreasing
and also that the poachers being caught in Gir were, in fact, all coming from
MP.
The court has asked the Gujarat government to now place
the new objections it had raised before the National Board for Wildlife, which
would take a fresh decision on the contentious issue.
Source: ‘Gujarat opposes Centre’s plan to relocate lions’, The Times of India, 23/04/09
Contact: CF (Wildlife) Junagadh, Sardar Bag,
Junagadh, Gujarat. Tel: 0285 - 631678/ 630051. Fax: 631211. Email: cfwildlife_ad1@sancharnet.in
Task Force
recommendations for lion protection in Gir
The Task Force set up in
2007 after eight lions were poached in Gir (see PA Updates Vol XIV, No. 3 and Vol XIII, Nos. 5 & 4) has made a
series of recommendations for the protection of the big cats here. Most of
these are technological in nature and have been suggested for implementation in
three phases
In the first phase 500 GPS enabled hand-held
communication devices are to be supplied to protection staff. The VHF network
is to be augmented with additional towers and repeaters to provide coverage in
the entire Gir area. A sensor grid of 10 automatic sensors has been suggested
for testing in field conditions and if found useful a grid of 50 automated
sensors is to be operationalised. Long range night vision equipment is also to
be supplied to mobile patrolling squads and the creation of breeding and
exchange protocols for gene pool of lions has also been suggested.
In the second phase, the report suggests that another 500
communication devices should be deployed. A VHF network for voice and data
communication should also be augmented to cover the entire lion habitat. Night
vision equipment should be provided to cover all patrol vehicles. It has also
be proposed to fit 10 animals outside Gir with GPS collars to track and
understand their movement patterns.
In the third phase, which has to be completed in five
years from 2009, the VHF network should be replaced by a 3G-compliant broad
bandwidth wireless network to enable image transmission. GIS and camera
interface on hand-held devices and GIS application availability on the move
even within the forest area should be available.
The first phase would be devoted to Gir, the second to
rest of the lion habitat in Brihad Gir and the third to upgrade communication
network technology.
Source: Himanshu Kaushik. ‘Bell the big cat’, The Times of India, 13/05/09.
Increase in
wild ass population in Gujarat
A two day Wild ass census
conducted in April has revealed that the population of the animal in the Little
Rann of Kutch in Gujarat has increased by about 10%. The population in the last
census of 2005 had been put at 3860 while the lowest it had dipped to was 700
about a decade ago.
The rise in the
population can also be gauged from the fact that a few groups have been spotted in farms surrounding Nal Sarovar
and some even as far as the Great Rann of Kutch. While 50% of the asses were
found in the Rann, the rest were reported from the fringe areas. The main
reason being suggested for this is the changing habitat. Several groups were
sighted on the southern fringes because of the Narmada Canal, which provides
them water and better food.
There are 107 villages dotting the fringes of the
sanctuary. Complaints of crop damage have increased in recent times, but forest
officials say that there has been a deadlock because some farms are an
encroachment in the sanctuary.
Source: Jumana Shah. ‘Rise in Gujarat’s wild ass population’, DNA, 13/04/09.
Contact: Asst.
Conservator of Forests /Sanctuary Superintendent, Dhrangadhra Wild Ass
Sanctuary, Dhrangadhra, Dist. Surendranagar – 363310, Gujarat. Tel/Fax:
02754-23716
SC allows removal of flowered dead bamboo from Purna WLS
The Supreme court has
allowed the Gujarat State Forest Department (FD) to remove flowered dead bamboo
from the Purna Wildlife Sanctuary. The State accepted the conditions laid down
by the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) and that was followed by the nod of
the apex court.
The conditions the CEC laid down are as follows:
i) the removal and use of
the dead bamboo should be done strictly in accordance with the provisions of
Section 29 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972;
ii) the gregariously
flowered dead bamboo should be felled and removed from the sanctuary through
the Ecodevelopment Committees under the strict supervision of the FD without
causing damage to the new and regenerating clumps of bamboo;
iii) strict protection from
fires and grazing should be undertaken along with proper soil and moisture/
water conservation measures to ensure regeneration of the young bamboo in the
sanctuary; and
iv) the area from which dead
bamboo has been removed should be regenerated by allowing natural regeneration
of bamboo mixed with other associated miscellaneous species of trees to prevent
recurrence of vast area of monoculture i.e. spread of single type of
vegetation bamboo.
Source: Forest
Case Update. Issue 51, February and March 2009
CWLW - Gujarat, Block 14,
Dr. Jivraj Mehta Bhavan, Old Sachivalaya, Gandhinagar-382010, Gujarat. Tel:
02712-230007. Fax: 221097.
Opposition to dam project on Renuka
River; Renuka WLS to be impacted
A group of researchers, people’s
organizations and NGOs have sent a memorandum to the Prime Minister, the
Himachal Pradesh State government and other relevant government agencies and
departments asking for the scrapping of the Renuka Dam Project in Sirmaur.
The
demand is based on three basic grounds - technical/conceptual issues,
environment implications and the social impacts of the project. More than 700
families who are presently earning a good income from NTFPs and their
agricultural lands will be impacted by the project. The dam is also expected to
submerge nearly 2000 hectares of forest and agricultural land including 49
hectares within the boundaries of the Renuka Wildlife Sanctuary.
Concerns
have also been expressed about the impacts on the nearby Renuka Lake, a
religious symbol for the people, a National Wetland and a Ramsar site. Serious
flaws have also been pointed out in the Environment Impact Assessment Report
submitted by the project proponents.
The
organizations that signed the memorandum include the Jan Ekta Samiti, Sirmaur;
Himalaya Niti Abhiyan; Renuka Bandh Sangarsh Samiti, Lok Vigyan Kendra,
Environment Research and Action Collective (all from Himachal Pradesh) and also
the South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People and Yamuna Jiye Abhiyan, New
Delhi.
(Also see PA Updates Vol XIII, No. 1, Vol XII, No. 6 and Nos. 55 & 32)
Source: Scrap Renuka project’,
Press Note issued on 06/05/09.
Contact: Subodh Abbi. Tel: 09816008399.
Email: subodh.abbhi@gmail.com
Himanshu Thakkar.
Tel: 09968242798.
Email:
ht.sandrp@gmail.com
DFO (Wildlife) In Charge, Renuka WLS, Shimla Division, Talland, Shimla – 171001, Himachal Pradesh. Tel: 0177-223993
CWLW,
Talland, Shimla – 171001. Tel: 0177-2624193. Email: Vtandy@gmail.com
Rise in hangul population in Dachigam NP
A joint count carried out recently by the
Jammu & Kashmir Wildlife Department and the Wildlife Institute of India
(WII) has found an increase in the population of the Hangul in and around the
Dachigam National Park. The estimated population of 217 animals is
significantly higher than the figure of 160 for last year (see PA Updates Vol XIV No. 4, Vol. XIII, Nos
6 & 1; Vol XI, No. 4 and No. 47)
The increase in the population
appears to be due to effective protection, check on poaching and various
conservation measures taken by the department, apart from lending more
credibility to the census operations through the involvement of independent
volunteers, researchers, students and NGOs. The male-female ratio and
female-fawn ratio have also exhibited a better trend in the current census.
The State wildlife department had
prepared a Rs. 22 crore species recovery plan for the hangul in collaboration
with the WII and submitted it to the Central Government for funding. Rs. 99
lakh were released in March 2009
The department has simultaneously
also started the census and survey of Hangul all over the state in
collaboration with the WII and the Wildlife Trust of India and several other
research and academic institutions. The purpose is to get a sense of the
distribution and trend of Hangul population in the relic habitats in addition
to that in the Dachigam NP. A conservation breeding centre for the Hangul is
also being constructed at Shikargarh with financial assistance from the Central
Zoo Authority.
Source: Seema Sharma. ‘Endangered hangul’s population shows growth’, The Tribune, 22/04/09.
Contact: Wildlife
Warden, Dachigam NP, C/o. Chief Wildlife Warden, J&K State Tourist
Reception Centre Srinagar – 190001. Tel: 0194-2492627
Opinion divided over proposal to include Lachipora
WLS in Qazinag NP
Local
opinion is divided over the proposal for the inclusion of the Lachipora
Wildlife Sanctuary in the proposed Qazinag National Park (see PA Updates Vol XIII, No. 6 & 3).
While residents of Lachipora A are said to be in support of the plan, those
from Lachipora B are opposing it.
The proposed national park would
include areas from Naganari and also include the Limber WLS. Being close to the
Line of Control (LoC), the wildlife officials do not visit the entire
sanctuary. Entry, in any case, is subject to cumbersome procedures adopted by
the Maratha Regiment. Natives of the place carry border cards issued by the
Regiment, while outsides have to get registered at the camp before they can
enter.
Lachipora comprises Loolosa
(Reshwari), Bijhama, Gawaspati, Gyarnallah, Braripora, Mukampera, Khatel
Hillpatri and Daznapati villages. The kuccha
road leads to certain villages and most of the areas are non-motorable. The
older generation is said to be opposed to the national park because they feel
their movements will then be restricted and they would also not be allowed to
graze their cattle here.
Source: Afsana Rashid.
‘Residents divided over plan on sanctuary’, The
Tribune, 11/04/09.
Contact: CWLW, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, Tourist Reception Centre (TRC), Srinagar – 190001. Tel: 0191-544575, 0194-452469/ 476261. Fax: 0191-544575, 0194-4524690
Illegal sand mining in Nagarahole NP
Local tribal communities are
reported to have informed the authorities of illegal sand mining in Hebballa,
which comes under Sollepura division of Veeranahosalli range in Nagarahole
National Park. The local administration then seized the tractors transporting
sand and directed forest officials to stop mining activity immediately. The
sand was being taken out for the construction of a retaining wall by the
Bylakuppe Tibetan camp that is located adjacent to the park.
The tribal community said that they had informed the
forest department of the sand extraction, but no action was taken. It was only
then that they approached the district authorities. Forest officials, however,
said that they were allowing the activity on humanitarian grounds as the wall
was being constructed at a cost of Rs. Five crore, to stop elephants entering
the area.
Source: Muralidhara Khajane. ‘Tribal people complain of sand extraction in national park’, The Hindu, 19/03/09.
Contact: Dy. Conservator of Forests, Nagarhole NP, Wildlife Division, Hunsur, Dist. Mysore, Karnataka. Tel: 08222-252041(O), 252070(R)
Wayanad
check-post plan may impede elephant movement
There are fears that the
Kerala government plan for a check-post complex in Wayanad would impede the
movement of elephants trying to reach the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in search
of fodder and water in the summer months. During a recent visit to Wayanad, the
State Finance Minister T.M. Thomas Isaac had mooted the idea of relocating
check-posts located at different places on the Kerala-Karnataka border in one
campus in Wayanad.
NGOs and nature lovers have written to the government to
ensure that the proposed complex would not be in the elephant corridor.
Hundreds of vehicles use the highway linking Bangalore with Kozhikode.
Vehicles, especially goods-laden lorries, have to halt at four check-posts
located close to Muthanga and similar check posts on the Karnataka side also.
If located in this corridor, the check-post will result in long queues of
vehicles waiting for clearance, and thereby cause an impediment to the
pachyderms.
It has also been pointed out that there is already an
enclosure around Ponkuzhi which is fast developing into a pilgrim centre and
halt for travellers as the inter-State highway NH 212 cuts through this forest.
The perennial Noolpuzha running through this corridor is the only source of
water for a large population of elephants moving through this area for three to
four months a year.
Source: EM Manoj. ‘Wayanad check-post plan may put
jumbo movement in peril’, The Hindu,
28/02/09.
Contact: Wildlife
Warden, Wayanad Wildlife Division, P.O. Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad-673
592, Kerala. Tel: 0493-2620454
Chief Wildlife Warden – Kerala, Vazhudacaud, Trivandrum – 695014, Kerala. Tel: 0471-2322217 / 2360452 / 2204896. Fax: 2360452 / 2322217
Tiger cub allegedly run over by tourist vehicle in
Bandavgarh NP
In what can be considered a
bizarre development, a male tiger cub was allegedly run over by a tourist
vehicle in the Bandavgarh National Park on April 21. The animal was found dead
in the park a few days later. The vehicle was being driven by resort owner
Satyendra Tiwari and had foreign tourists in it.
The incident took place at
Chakradhara on the B route at 6.30 am in the Tala Range of the park. According
to one account of accompanying tourists, a few vehicles had stopped, when they
heard the roars of a tigress with a kill, presumably calling for her cubs from
the other side of the road. The young cub then unexpectedly moved towards the
tourists and slipped below the vehicle of Mr. Tiwari. It is alleged that the
vehicle driver tried to move his vehicle forward and backward in an effort to
scare out the animal so that the tourists would be able to see it. It is in
this process that the animal was injured and was seen to be groaning in pain
just 20 feet from the vehicle. The injured cub is also said to have charged a domestic
elephant that then ran for about 100 meters. Another news report of the same
incident has however indicated that the driver had panicked on realizing that
the tiger was under his vehicle and this had caused the accident.
The Forest Department (FD)
subsequently booked Tiwari on charges of poaching and arrested him. He was
remanded to magisterial custody till May 11. An inquiry into the incident has
also been ordered. Senior forest officials said that an SDO of the FD was at
the spot when the incident occurred and had corroborated the sequence of events
proving that Mr. Tiwari was indeed guilty.
A subsequent communication and
clarification was also issued by the tourist, Nick Garbutt, who was in the
vehicle that is said to have run over the tiger cub. He has stated that his
examination of his photos of the cub before it slipped below the vehicle seem
to show that the cub was injured prior to the incident. There seemed to be
blood around its mouth and its jaw also looked swollen. The cub’s peculiar and
erratic behaviour, according to him, was consistent with a prior injury or
trauma. “With hindsight,” Garbutt’s note says, “I am convinced the incident
involving the cub on 21st April 2009 was no ones fault – it was a very
unfortunate accident caused by a series of extraordinary circumstances.
Satyendra Tiwari acted judiciously and impeccably during the incident, with
both the tiger cub’s and his client’s welfare at heart. Neither he, nor anyone
else present, should shoulder any blame or responsibility for this unfortunate
sequence of events.”
Another
noted naturalist and wildlife film maker Ashish Chandola has also come out in
support of Mr Tiwari. In an email circulated on the internet Chandola vouched
for Tiwari’s integrity and commitment to wildlife conservation and protection.
Source: Rahul Noronha. ‘Park driver runs over tiger cub’, Hindustan Times, 29/04/09.
Vijay
Pinjarkar. ‘Cub hurt to please tourists?’, The
Times of India, 01/05/09.
Jayanth
Sharma. Email dated 06/05/09
Ashish
Chandola. Email dated 06/05/09
Contact: Director, Bandavgarh TR,
Umaria – 484661, Madhya Pradesh. Tel: 07653-22214(O). Fax: 07653-22214/22648
Satyendra
Tiwari,
Email: kaysat1@yahoo.co.in
Ashish
Chandola. Email: chandola.ashish@gmail.com
No relocation of
male tiger to Panna TR
The Madhya Pradesh government's plan to
shift a male tiger to the Panna Tiger Reserve is not likely to take place for
now, since the ‘protocol’ for tiger relocation is yet to be finalized by the
National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
The
NTCA has said that no tiger-range state would be allowed to relocate any big
cat unless the protocol detailing minute steps needed for the process was
formulated. A committee of wildlife experts and NTCA officials has reportedly
been constituted for the purpose.
The
decision to chalk out a blueprint to relocate tigers was made in response to
allegations by wildlife experts that the Madhya Pradesh Government had
overlooked basic norms while shifting two tigresses from the Kanha and
Bandhavgarh TRs to Panna in March (see PA
Updates Vol. XV, No. 2 & 1)
A
fact-finding team headed by PK Sen, former Director, Project Tiger and
comprising of officials from NTCA and Wildlife Institute of India has been
constituted to probe a claim by state government officials that there is just
one tiger left in the reserve.
Source: ‘Absence of proposed protocol stalls relocation of
tiger in MP’, Press Trust of India, 06/04/09
Contact: Field Director, Panna National Park, Panna – 488001, Madhya Pradesh. Tel: 07732-252135. Fax: 07732-252120
Dr. Rajesh Gopal NTCA,
Annexe No. 5, Bikaner House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi-110011.Telefax: 2338
4428. E-mail: dirpt-r@nic.in
CWLW,
MP, Van Bhawan, Tulsi Nagar, Bhopal 462003, Madhya Pradesh. Tel: 0755-557371/
550391.
MAHARASHTRA
Mining lease
near Tadoba Andhari TR runs into trouble
The coal mining project of the Adani
Power Limited (APL) in Lohara (west) in the vicinity of the Tadoba Andhari
Tiger Reserve (TATR) (PA Update No.
XV, No. 1) appears to have run into trouble. It has been revealed that the
Union Ministry of Environment and
Forests (MoEF) had rejected the application of Nippon Denro Ispat Ltd (NDIL)
for the same block about a decade ago on the ground that it was too close to
the reserve.
The
NDIL had set up Central India Coal Company and was allotted three virgin coal
blocks in 1995 by the coal ministry, with a proven geological reserve of about
334 million tonnes of power-grade coal for its proposed power plant at
Bhadravati.
In
a letter written in this matter to the Maharashtra State Forest Secretary in
April 1997, the then Additional Inspector General of Forests (AIGP) had,
stated: “After careful consideration of the proposal, the central government
conveys its inability to approve the proposal for diversion of 745.54 hectares
of forest land for extraction of coal in Lohara (west) under Section 2 of the
Forest Conservation Act 1980, since the proposal is not conducive to either
environment or forest conservation.”
In
a further development, 61 members of the Maharashtra State Legislature have
also jointly opposed the mining in these forests.
Source: ‘Adani block too denied nod earlier’, The Times of India, 26/03/09
‘Tadoba Vyaghra Prakalpat Khan Nako’, Loksatta, 01/04/09.
Contact: Field
Director, Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Project, Mul Road, In front of
Sanchiti Chamber, Chandrapur – 442401, Maharashtra. Tel: 07172-51414(O),
56382(R)
1067 sq. kms buffer zone for Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve
A special committee appointed by the Maharashtra State Government has
identified an area of 1067 sq kms to be notified as the buffer zone of the
Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR). It will include a little more than 671 sq
kms of forested area and about 394 sq kms of non-forested area. The area of the
core zone of the TATR is 625 sq kms.
There are 79 villages
in the proposed buffer zone. 66 of these are located in the Chandrapur Forest
Division while the remaining 13 are in the Brahmapuri division. It has been
clarified that none of the villages included in the buffer zone of the tiger
reserve will face displacement and that, in fact, funds for their development
will be easier to access through centrally sponsored schemes.
Although the buffer
includes 125 sq. kms hectare area of West Chanda division, not a single village
falls in the proposed area. The proposal also includes compartment number 390,
where coal mines of Adani Power Limited have been proposed (see PA Update Vol XV, No. 1). The buffer
also includes some 7-9 compartments proposed for mining by the Maharashtra
State Mining Corporation near Agarzari near Tadoba. These have been included in
the buffer zone because they fall within 10 km of the boundary of the reserve.
The buffer zone
proposal will now be sent to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
which will then refer it to the state government for notification.
Source: ‘Now, Tadoba tigers to help
villagers’ The Times of India,
10/05/09
Widening of NH
17 threatens Karnala Bird Sanctuary
The Maharashtra State Wildlife Board has
in a meeting held recently, approved the widening of the National Highway 17
(NH-17) inspite of the threat posed to the Karnala Bird Sanctuary. A number of
members of the board were opposed to the widening. They have said that a
re-alignment was possible and would save the sanctuary as well. The State
Forest Department too has registered its strong opposition but senior
government officials said the widening was necessary and no options were
available.
It
is feared that the road widening will seriously impact the small sanctuary
which is already facing serious pressure from encroachments, grazing and
tree-felling.
Source: ‘Karnala is on the verge of getting destroyed’, http://wildlifer-ashwin.blogspot.com/2009/03/karnala-is-on-verge-of-getting.html
Contact: Dy. Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Thane, L.B.S. Rd, Naupada Near High Way Naka Thane-400602. Tel: 022-25402522(O), 25421967(R)
Taxidermy centre
in Sanjay Gandhi NP
Mumbai’s Sanjay Gandhi National Park
(SGNP) will have the country’s first taxidermy centre. The Principal Chief
Conservator of Forests, Maharashtra recently approved the proposal that had
been received from the SGNP authorities a few months ago. Grants are now
awaited from the Central Government and it is estimated that Rs. 10-15 lakhs
will be needed for the same.
The
centre will have provisions for skinning, tanning, moulding and casting of
carcasses. It is hoped that the centre will play a useful role in education and
creating awareness about wildlife and its conservation.
Source: Coming soon, country’s first taxidermy centre at
SGNP, The Indian Express, 14/04/09
Contact: DCF, SGNP, Borivili (East), Mumbai – 400066, Maharashtra. Tel: 022-28860362, 28860389(O), 8862780(R) Email: sgnpb@rediffmail.com
Joint military
operation against militants inside Keibul Lamjao NP
A joint Army, Assam Rifles
and the Police operation code named Summer Storm was launched on April 12 in
the Keibul Lamjao National Park to flush out militants believed to be holed up
there.
The operation had been launched
after electronic as well as human surveillance confirmed the presence of
militants. The army claimed that 12 militants were killed, five camps of the
Peoples Revolutionary Party of Kangliepak (Prepak) were destroyed and 10
weapons, including six AK-series rifles, recovered in the operation that was
still going on at the time of reporting. It was further stated that Summer
Storm was the most successful joint operation in Manipur.
The army has also clarified that
there have been no civilians or wild animals casualties, though other
unconfirmed reports say that some sangai were
indeed killed.
The announcement and clarification
issued by the GOC 57 Mountain Division, Maj. Gen. Shakti Gurung came a day
after displaced villagers held a rally in Imphal. They made a representation to
Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh seeking an end to the operation as the life of
nearly 2500 people settled on the fringes of the Loktak lake had been
disrupted. They also threatened that they would boycott the ensuing 15th Lok Sabha elections, particularly the polling in Inner
Manipur Parliamentary constituency, if the operation is not called off. The
displaced Nongmaikhong and Khordak villagers were taking shelter in Ithai and
Laphupat Tera villages in Bishnupur district.
The GOC said that the army would
compensate the villagers deprived of their livelihood after the operation was
over and that relief materials were already being provided to the affected
people.
The army and police have said that a
Loktak Protection Force was being put in place and the Centre had sanctioned
Rs. 5.5 crore for the purchase of hovercraft for the purpose. They expressed
confidence that no militant would be able to enter the area once the force is
formed. The army also said that they had no plans to open any army post inside
the national park.
Source: ‘Displaced
villagers boycott polls’, Assam Tribune,
17/04/09.
‘Loktak operation to continue’, The Telegraph, 18/04/09
Contact: Salam Rajesh, Sagolband Salam, Leikai. PO: Imphal-1, Manipur. Tel: 0385-222395. Email:salamrajesh@rediffmail.com; salraj_imp@yahoo.com;
DCF,
Keibul Lamjao NP, Sanjenthong, Imphal - 795 001
Chief Wildlife Warden - Manipur, Sanjenthong, Imphal - 795001, Manipur. Tel: 03852 - 220854 / 285385
ORISSA
Maoist attack in
Simlipal TR
In a major and first offensive of its
kind in the Simlipal Tiger Reserve, Maoist extremists damaged three forest
range offices, set ablaze at least two motorcycles and beat up tourists and
forest staff inside the reserve in the month of March. Forest Department (FD)
establishments at Chahala, Dhudruchampa and Upper Barahkamuda were burnt down
and the VHF communication network at Meghasana was also destroyed.
It
is believed that three groups of Maoists simultaneously attacked the three
forest offices and assaulted the forest staff. They also beat up the tourists
that were lodged at Chahala mistaking them for forest employees. Later, they
let off the tourists, with a warning not to visit the place again.
It
has been suggested that the attackers had the tacit support of forest dwellers
and tribals, who for long have been at the receiving end of the measures of the
FD. The banning of akhand shikar (ritual
hunting) that takes place in April every year is an example and the nature and
timing of the attacks suggest that there was a link (see PA Updates 59, 55, 49, 43, 41, 27, 26 & 17).
The
extremists, on their retreat, left posters and pamphlets demanding the rollback
of Project Tiger. Forest staff is now reluctant to go back to their duty in
affected areas of the reserve.
Source: Sandeep Mishra & Amarendra Bose. ‘Red rampage
in tiger reserve’, The Times of India,
30/03/09
Siba
Mohanty. ‘Red alert in tiger country’, The
Indian Express, 18/04/09.
Contact: Director, Simlipal Tiger Reserve, P.O. Baripada, Dist. Mayurbhanj – 757002, Orissa. Tel: 06792-252593(O), 252773(R) Fax: 256705
Increase in Irrawady Dolphin population in Chilka
The annual
dolphin census that was conducted in Chilka in February, earlier this year, has
revealed the population of the endangered Irrawady Dolphin to be 146. This is a
significant increase from the 138 animals that were counted in the 2008 census.
This is the largest population of the dolphin in a lagoon in the world. The
number of dolphins recorded in 2006 was 131, which increased to 135 in 2007.
The census was carried out by a team
of experts by undertaking a head count as well as by using a system that
records the sound of the dolphins. The entire lagoon was divided into 20 zones
for the purpose.
The dolphin faces a range of threats
in Chilka particularly from mechanized fishing trawlers and tourist boats with
large propellers (see PA Updates Vol.
XIII, No. 2; Vol XII, No. 2; and Nos. 57, 56, 54, 52, 49, 41, 36 & 29)
Source:
‘Population of endangered dolphin rises in Orissa’s Chilika lake’, http://pet.taragana.net
Contact:
DFO (WL), Chilka Wildlife
Division, At/PO Balugaon, Dist. Khordha – 752030, Orissa.
Tel: 06756 – 211012 / 9437109889. Email: bravo_123@satyam.net.in
PUNJAB
Don’t transfer
Harike WLS land to farmers: FD
The State Forest and
Wildlife Department has told the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) of Taran Tarn,
Ferozepur and Kapurthala districts not to give land to farmers in the Harike
Wildlife Sanctuary (HWS).
The communication was a reaction to the recent
announcement of the Punjab Chief Minister that farmers in Harike, which is
spread over all three districts and along the ‘mand’ area of Beas and Sutlej
rivers in Jalandhar, Kapurthala and Ferozepur districts, would be given
ownership rights of the land at marginal rates. The government has proposed to
give ownership rights to the farmers at the rates of Rs 25,000, Rs 50,000 and
Rs one lakh per acre depending on the quality of the land.
There is pressure to charge even lower rates or then
nothing at all with the Kisan Sangharsh Committee leader Satnam Singh Pannu
arguing that the farmers had uprooted forests to make the area habitable and
that they should be granted ownership rights for free.
Divisional Forest Officers (DFOs) have, however, handed
notes to the respective DCs pointing out that there is no surplus land at
Harike and that land from the sanctuary cannot be transferred to farmers
without the sanction of the National Board for Wildlife.
According to the Forest Department, 30 farmers of Behba,
Bhuttiwala, Sodhian and Jogewal villages are tilling about 300 acres in the
sanctuary and a case regarding this is already going on. The FD has also taken
the view that farming in the sanctuary area is not conducive for the bird
population particularly with increased mechanisation and fertilizer use. It
also feels that if the ownership rights are granted, it would encourage growth
of more encroachments in the area.
Source: Jangveer Singh. ‘Don’t transfer land in Harike to farmers, dept. tells DCs’, The Tribune, 27/02/09.
Contact: Wildlife Warden, Harike Lake WLS, Near Police Station, Harike, Dist. Firozpur, Punjab. Tel: 0181 - 248409
Chief Wildlife Warden, Punjab, SC No. 2463-64,Sector 22-C, Chandigarh - 160022.Tel: 0172-2705828(O), 2675661(R). Fax: 2705828
RAJASTHAN
Expedition
to study status of gharial in the National Chambal Sanctuary
The 2nd Gharial Expedition to study the
status of the critically endangered Gharial in the National Chambal Sanctuary
was held from December 17 to 26, 2008. Organised by the NGO, Tiger Watch the
expedition covered a 100 km stretch of the river from Pali to Rhondhai in
Rajasthan.
The
expedition identified four High Population Estimate Areas (HPEAs) as stretches
where the gharial population was higher than in other parts of the river
surveyed.
A
total of 123 gharial including 11 males were spotted during the expedition
while the number of muggers that were seen were 73. A number of other species
of wildlife including birds like skimmers, ospreys, and terns and mammals
including hyenas, jackals, and sloth bear (pugmarks) were also seen.
One
dead gharial was also reported from near Banjari Village during the expedition.
A
subsequent summer survey was conducted in April 2009 and it reported one dead
gharial from Pali on the Madhya Pradesh side and a mugger at Tongni village
also on the MP side. The animals were found wrapped in fishing nets; evidence
that the activity which is illegal here is continuing unabated.
(Also see PA
Updates Vol. XV, No. 2 and Vol XIV, No. 2)
Source: Apoorva Joshi on email dated 27/04/09.
Contact: Apoorva
Joshi. Tel: 0-9011515579 Email: apoorvanature@gmail.com
DCF (Wildlife), National Chambal WLS, Dist. Kota, Rajasthan. Tel:
0744- 2321263(O). Fax: 0744-2322074
CWLW Government of Rajasthan, Van Bhavan, Vaniki Path, JAIPUR - 302 005. Tel: 0141-2380832 / 2540531. Fax: 2380496/ 2380832
Conference on Bees, Biodiversity and Forest
Livelihoods in Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
A
three day International Conference on 'Bees, Biodiversity and Forest
Livelihoods'(BBL) was held in Coonoor in March 2009. It marked the conclusion
of a three year project to elucidate the interdependencies between bees,
biodiversity and forest livelihoods in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR).
The conference was attended by
social scientists, biologists, ecologists and economists from India and abroad.
the BBL project was funded by the Darwin Initiative, UK and was implemented by
Kotagiri based Keystone Foundation in collaboration with the Overseas
Development Group/School of Development Studies, University of East Anglia,
Bees for Development and the Centre for Agri-Environmental Research, University
of Reading, UK.
The indigenous bees of the
mountainous NBR are known to play an important role in local indigenous
livelihoods (honey hunting is part of the culture), yet the bees have not been
scientifically identified or classified, their populations and distributions
under natural conditions relatively unknown, and their vital role in
pollination and the maintenance of forest biodiversity under studied.
The BBL Project was aimed at
combining scientific data about the status of these indigenous bees and their
ecology, with participatory livelihoods analysis. it was executed over sixteen
field sites in five locations in order to capture contrasts of biogeography,
distribution and honey collecting practices of major tribal groups, as well as
respond to practical and strategic considerations of coverage across the three
Indian states (Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala) that are contained within the
NBR.
A detailed proceedings of the
conference is being compiled and will be made available shortly.
Contact: Anita Varghese, Keystone Foundation, Keystone Centre, PB 35, Groves
Hill Road, Kotagiri 643 217, Nilgiris District, Tamil Nadu. Telefax:
04266-272277, Email: anita@keystone-foundation.org
Increase in wildlife numbers in Srivilliputhur WLS
A
recently conducted census has reported increased numbers of many wildlife
species in the Srivilliputhur Wildlife Sanctuary. These include the Nilgiri
tahr, the Lion-Tailed macaque (LTM) and the Giant squirrel.
Wildlife officials said that the
Nilgiri Tahr has been sighted in the entire division starting from Kottamalai
in Rajapalayam to Perumal Malai in Sadhuragiri hills near the Sundara
Mahalingam temple in Saptoor. While a group of 30 LTMs had been sighted in the
sanctuary in the census last year, this year more than 45 animals including a
sizeable number of young ones were sighted in a single group between the Nagariyar
and Periyakavu part of the sanctuary.
Source: P Oppili. ‘Wildlife numbers up in Srivilliputhur sanctuary’, The Hindu, 23/03/09.
Contact: Wildlife Warden, Srivilliputhur WLS, No.8 Kallikulam Street, Srivilliputhur – 626129, Tamil Nadu. Tel: 04563-60565
Field guide on
flora and fauna of Gulf of Mannar BR
The Centre for Environment Education
(CEE) and the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve Trust (GoMBRT) have jointly
produced a field guide on the flora and fauna of Gulf of Mannar Biosphere
Reserve. The guide covers all the plants and animals found in the Gulf of
Mannar region and took about two years to produce.
There
is also a plan to bring out the guide in Tamil that will also include colour
photographs.
Source: Guide on flora and fauna of biosphere reserve released, The Hindu, 17/04/09.
Contact: CEE Tamil Nadu. Tel: 09443194272. Email:
ceetamilnadu@ceeindia.org
UTTARAKHAND
Proposal to increase area of Corbett TR
A
proposal is being mooted for the increase of the area of the Corbett Tiger
Reserve. Under the new plan, the reserve would comprise of the 521 sq km
Corbett National Park, the 301 sq km Sonanadi WLS and 466 sq km of the buffer
areas of Landsdown and Ramnagar Forest Division. The total area of the reserve
would then be 1,288 sq km.
A high-level meeting of top
officials, including Union Cabinet Secretary KM Chandrasekar, State Chief
Secretary IK Pande and other forest officials, was held at Corbett recently to
discuss the modalities of the same.
The State Chief Wildlife Warden Mr
SK Chandola has said that consultations would be held with all the stakeholders
and the inhabitants of the Ramnagar and Landsdown forest division before the
decision on increasing the area of the reserve was taken. The plan is to be
executed in two phases. The first would be the consultations to chalk out a
concrete action plan that would then be implemented in the second phase.
Source: ‘Centre plans to increase Corbett Tiger Reserve area’, The Times of India, 12/04/09
Contact: Field Director, Corbett Tiger Reserve, Ramnagar –244715, Nainital, Uttaranchal. Tel: 05947 – 285489. Fax: 285376
Serious irregularities in use of funds for
rehabilitation of Van Gujjars from Rajaji NP
A
report submitted in March 2008 by the Additional Chief Conservator of Forests,
Uttarakhand has confirmed serious irregularities in the utilization of funds
for the rehabilitation of the Van Gujjars from the Rajaji National Park. Major
shortcomings were also found in the construction of the rest house at the cost
of Rs 24 lakh in 2006-07.
The inquiry had been initiated on
the directions of the Prime Minister’s Office after the receipt of complaints.
A three-member technical committee headed by the then Director of the Corbett
Tiger Reserve, Rajiv Bhartari, found “serious irregularities” in the works done
for the rehabilitation and held the then director of Rajaji, GS Pandey as the
person responsible.
The Central government had allocated
Rs 9.57 crore to provide cattle sheds, toilets, hand pumps, roads,
electrification, tubewells and levelling of plots in Pathar Gujri and
Gaindikhata settlements. It was found that the quality of works was very poor
and that the park administration failed in its duty to ensure regular
monitoring of the works.
When contacted senior officials
could not explain the delay in taking action though the report is more than a
year old. Mr GS Pandey is presently posted as Additional Secretary,
Horticulture and Medicinal Plants.
Source: Raju William. ’11 months on, no action on Rajaji ex-chief’, The Tribune, 07/02/09.
Contact: Director, Rajaji NP,
5/1 Ansari Marg, Dehradun – 248001, Uttarakhand. Tel: 0135-2621669 Fax: 2621669
Rajaji NP to employ Gujjars for fire protection;
others steps also being taken
Officials
of the Rajaji NP have decided to employ local Gujjars for the work of creating
fire lines and fighting fires this summer. The work was earlier being
outsourced to contractors. In the first phase the Gujjars have been given work
in the Haridwar, Motichur, Chila and Chillawali ranges of the park.
The community is reported to have
been enthused by the opportunity. They said that they felt sidelined after they
had been rehabilitated, but would now have a chance again of getting closer to
the forests that were home for many years.
35 water holes have also been dug in
different parts of the park to ensure that there is enough water for the wild
animals. The digging was initiated in the wake of a report that half of the 221
water sources in the forest areas had dried up and that they would be an acute
water shortage in summer. Shortage of water often forces the animals,
particularly elephants to move out is search of water resulting in increased
conflict with humans living in surrounding areas.
The absence of rains in winter has
also compounded the problem. Many forest fires have been reported from
different parts of Uttarakhand and 2000 crew stations have been created to
ensure prompt action to deal with the fires. 1300 fire kits have also been
distributed to local people for the purpose
More recent reports from April
indicate that the water shortage and forest fires have also resulted in
increased human-elephant conflict his year. Elephants from Rajaji NP have been
moving to the river in areas of Haridwar and this is bringing them in direct
contact with human settlements. Such incidents have been reported from
Chandhighat Bridge. Significant crop damage by elephants was also reported from
other villages including Jagjeetpur, Missharpur, Jamalpur and Katarpur.
Source: Sandeep Rawat. ‘Rajaji Park to utilize Gujjar services’, The Tribune, 16/02/09
Jotirmay Thapliyal. ‘To combat drought, Rajaji digs water holes’, The Tribune, 13/03/09.
Jotirmay Thapliyal. ‘Dry winter may fuel forest fires’, The Tribune, 15/03/09.
Sandeep Rawat. ‘Forest fires still smouldering’, The Tribune, 08/04/09.
SC hears matter related to elephant overpasses at
Rajaji NP
A
bench of the Supreme Court recently heard the matter of the construction of two
elephant overpasses at the Rajaji National Park. The proposal was made a few
months ago to create a corridor to ensure elephant movement across the railway
line and roads which have otherwise resulted in a number accidents and deaths
of the elephants (see PA Updates Vol
XIV, No. 5 and Vol XIII, No. 5).
The proposed plan includes the
construction of two such corridors for the elephants – each 1.2 kms long and
100 metres wide. They will be part of NH 58 connecting Meerut with Badrinath
and NH 72 connecting Shyampur Tiraha with Premanagar via Dehradun. If the SC
grants its permission it is hoped that the overpasses will be readied in time
for the Kumbh Mela in 2010. The estimated cost for their construction is Rs. 64
crore.
Source: Jotirmay Thapliyal. ‘Flyover corridors for jumbos’, The Tribune, 08/02/09.
Adventure tour operators unhappy with limited season
for trekking in Gangotri NP
Adventure
tour operators have said that the decision of the authorities to open the
Gangotri National Park only from May 1 to October 15 would be detrimental to
the promotion of trekking in the region. The decision to limit the period was
taken by the Forest Department following mishaps involving foreign tourists
last year. The decision was subsequently taken to keep the park open in tandem
with the opening of the Gangotri Temple from May 1 to October 15. Till last year,
the Gangotri National Park had its gates open for visitors beginning April 1.
Well-known treks to Gaumukh,
Tapovan, Nandanvan and Kalindikhas Pass, pass through the Gangotri NP and are
popular with both domestic and foreign tourists. It has been pointed out that
trekking in the park starts much before the pilgrimage and that October being
the peak season for trekking, the new dates mean a crucial loss of many days
for the activity. Tour operators, who had booked international groups for treks
starting from the first week of April have had to cancel trips at the eleventh
hour, something, they say, has affected their credibility.
Park authorities, however, say that
safety of the tourists is their top priority and the period of the yatra season is most safe as logistic
support of all kind is easily available during this period. They did not want a
repeat of last year when an 11-member Indian team of trekkers and porters and
another 35-member team from Australia was trapped in a blizzard in September.
While all trekkers were rescued, five porters were killed in the incident.
Officials have said that the opening
and closure of dates of the park were decided in consultation with local
representatives and other stakeholders with the sole aim of regulating the flow
of tourists.
The Adventure Tours Operators
Association of India (ATOAI) is reported to have approached the tourism
secretary to take up the matter with the Uttarakhand government.
Source: Jotirmay Thapliyal. ‘Govt. on wrong track, say trek operators’, The Tribune, 09/04/09.
Contact: I/c Gangotri NP, C/0 Wildlife Warden, Govind National Park, Purola, Dist. Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand. Tel: 0137-22244
Van Gujjars denied access to their
grazing grounds in Govind Pashu Vihar NP
The nomadic Van Gujjar community has been denied access to their
traditional grasslands in the Govind Pashu Vihar National Park (GPVNP). The
graziers who reside in the Shivalik forest ranges and the Rajaji National Park
migrate to the higher reaches every summer. As a result of not being allowed
entry to GPVNP this year they find themselves stranded on the banks of the
Assan near Vikas Nagar with their families and cattle. With the temperature
rising, their buffaloes are reported to be on the verge of starvation with no
fodder and water and family members too are falling ill.
The bureaucracy
is said to be with holding the rights of the Van Gujjars on the pretext that
they do not belong to the state of Uttarakhand. After Uttarakhand was carved
out of Uttar Pradesh, the Shivalik forest in close proximity to Rajaji National
Park fell within the state of Uttarakhand while other parts of the Shivaliks
are in Saharanpur district of UP. Many of these Van Gujjars migrate from UP to
Himachal passing through Uttarakhand, but the FD is bent on stopping the Van
Gujjars coming from UP. In fact, with the implementation of the Scheduled
Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act
being eminent, it has been alleged that the move by the Uttarakhand FD is an
attempt to deprive these 100-odd families of their migration and grazing rights
so that they are unable to lay a claim to their traditional forest grazing land
under the provisions of the act.
These Gujjars are said to have a legal and
recognized right over forests as they pay a ‘lopping tax’ and a ‘grazing tax’
to the forest department. The community alleges that the move by the
Uttarakhand government to deny them entry was pre-planned as no receipts were
issued last year though they had paid all their taxes. NGOs working with them
allege that this is a ploy by the Forest Department (FD) to deny proof to the
Van Gujjars while making a claim to forest rights. An application has already
been filed under the RTI Act to get these receipts.
Several
delegations of the community have met the officials concerned, but it has been
of no avail. (See PA Update Vol XIV,
No. 3, for a similar situation that had arisen last year as well.)
Source: ‘Van Gujjars in nowhere land’, The Tribune, 02/04/09.
Contact: Wildlife Warden, Govind National Park, Purola, Dist. Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand. Tel: 0137-22244
CWLW, 5, Chandrabani, Mohobewala, Dehradun, Uttaranchal. Tel: 0135- 2644691
WEST BENGAL
Proposal to
re-introduce Pygmy hog into Gorumara NP
The Union Ministry of Environment and
Forests (MoEF) is reported to have approved a proposal of the West Bengal
Forest Department (FD) for the re-introduction of the pygmy hog to the Gorumara
National Park.
The
animal was once found in the grasslands here and this has prompted the FD to
take up the challenge. The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Kolkata, has been
engaged to conduct a feasibility survey for the purpose. They will also be
visiting the pygmy hog breeding centre on the outskirts of Guwahati. It is from
here that the successful reintroduction of the hog into the wild in the Sonai
Rupai WLS in Assam was carried out recently (see PA Update Vol XIV, No. 3)
If
the Gorumara re-introduction project is approved it would take three years for
completion and would cost approximately Rs. 30 lakh.
Source: Sabyasachi Roy. ‘Pygmy hogs get a new lease of
life’, The Statesman, 18/03/09
Contact: DFO, Gorumara NP, Aranya Bhawan, Old Court Campus, Jubilee Park, P.O. & Dist. Jalpaiguri, West Bengal. Tel: 03561-224907(O), 222838(R).
Email: wild2@dte.vsnl.net.in
Tiger sighted in Gorumara NP after 25 years; vultures also sighted
again
A tiger was
recently seen in the Gorumara National Park for the first time in 25 years and
forest officials say that the animal would have reached here from the Neora
Valley National Park through Chapramari. The first hints of tiger presence were
visible in the last week of March following reports of cattle lifting from
Mouchaki in the Bhujelgaon area of the Neora Valley lower range. This area is
merely 12 kms from the boundary of Gorumara. Several gaur were also reported to
have been hunted in Gorumara over the last few weeks.
It has been suggested that the tiger
could have entered the Bamondanga-Tondu Tea Estate area where a five sq. kms
grassland has recently been added to the park. Forest staff also say that
successful conservation and protection activities have led to the return of
spotted deer and the barking deer which, in turn has lured the tiger back.
Another survey by the Bombay Natural
History Society has also confirmed the presence of the Long – Billed Vulture
here. 18 birds were spotted at Goyradoba within the park. More than 96% of the
vulture population here has been wiped out in the period 2000-2007.
Source:
Gorumara prey base lures tigers back’, The
Times of India
Chief Wildlife
Warden, Vikas Bhawan, North Block, Salt Lake, Calcutta - 700091, West
Bengal. Tel: 033-3346900/3583208. Fax: 3345946. Email: wildlife@cal.vsnl.net.in
Fresh tiger
census in the offing
An year after "scientifically"
estimating the big cats' population at nearly 1,411 in the country, National
Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is gearing up to revise the head count by
conducting a fresh census later this year.
The
census that will most likely be held in October will be carried out in
association with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and will use a
methodology similar to the previous count when camera traps were used
extensively. The report 'Status of Tigers, Co-predators, and Prey in India
2008' had presented a grim picture with the tiger population being estimated at
1,411 with variation of 17.43 per cent.
Source: ‘Fresh tiger census in the offing’, The Hindu, 30/03/09.
TOFT to launch Wildlife Tourism Awards
Travel
Operators for Tigers (TOFT) which works to advocate, endorse and support more
responsible use of wilderness areas in India has announced the launch of
Wildlife Tourism Awards.
The awards which will be given in
early 2010 intend to reward and encourage best practice operations in a number
of categories: Most Inspired Eco lodge, Best Park Guide/Naturalist (carries Rs
25,000 cash prize), Best Park for Tourism (carries a cash prize of Rs 50,000
worth of equipment to be used in tiger protection/conservation projects), Best
Destination Management Company, Best Tourist Related Community Initiative, Best
Wildlife/Tourism Initiative (cash prize of Rs 50,000 towards
equipment/services) and a Life Time Achievement award.
Source: http://www.travelbizmonitor.com/
Contact:
Abhishek Behl, Executive Director,
TOFT India Wildlife Association. Tel: 09873344304 Email: abhishekrbehl@gmail.com
AFGHANISTAN
First national park for Afghanistan
Afghanistan has announced the creation of its first
national park at Band-e-Amir. The park will protect one of the country’s
best-known natural areas. It lies near the Bamyan Valley, where the 1,500-year-old
giant Buddha statues destroyed by the Taliban once stood.
Band-e-Amir
is renowned for its spectacular series of six deep blue lakes separated by
natural dams made of travertine, a mineral deposit. Travertine systems are
found in only a few places throughout the world. Virtually all are on the
UNESCO World Heritage list and serve as major international tourist
attractions.
Though
Band-e-Amir had been a destination for travelers since the 1950s, tourism
slowed to a near halt during the war years of 1979–2001. Today, the region
draws thousands of Afghan tourists and religious pilgrims annually, as well as
many foreigners currently living and working in the country.
The
creation of the park is based on the research work carried out by the Wildlife
Conservation Society (WCS). Field scientists of the WCS conducted surveys,
identified and delineated the park’s boundaries, and worked with local
communities and the provincial government. WCS has also developed the park’s
management plan and helped the Afghan Government hire and train local rangers.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) provided key
funding for this work.
Though
much of the park’s wildlife has been lost, recent surveys indicate that it
still contains ibex and urial, along with wolves, foxes, smaller mammals, and
fish. It is also home to various bird species, including the Afghan snow finch,
believed to be the only bird found exclusively in Afghanistan. Snow leopards
were once found in the area, but vanished due to hunting in the early 1980s.
The lakes’ wildlife faces growing threats from pollution and other human-caused
degradation to the fragile travertine dams.
It is
being hoped that Band-e-Amir’s new status will grant it recognition essential
to helping the park become an international tourist destination and obtain
World Heritage Status, which would also help provide additional protection. It
also lays the groundwork for an Afghan Protected Area System that could include
the wildlife-rich transboundary area in the Pamirs shared with Pakistan, China,
and Tajikistan.
Afghanistan’s
National Environmental Protection Agency, the Ministry of Agriculture,
Irrigation and Livestock, and the Band-e-Amir Protected Area Committee will
collectively manage the new park. A protected area committee comprised of the
13 villages lying within the park has also been established to ensure that
local communities play a key role in protecting the landscape.
Source: ‘New park for Afghanistan’,
http://www.wcs.org/353624/wcs_new_park_for_afghanistan
BANGLADESH
Meeting on the Sundarbans in Bangladesh
A discussion on the Sundarbans in Bangladesh
‘Unprotected Sundarban and our responsibilities’ was held in Khulna in the
month of April. It was jointly organized by The Unnayan Onneshan, Humanity
Watch and Forest People Programme and attended by forest officials, civic group
leaders, green activists, journalists and NGO personnel.
It
was pointed out that the Forest Department has only 76 camps and 178 forest
guards to guard a huge area of 6,017 square kilometre including more than 400
rivers in the Sundarban in Bangladesh. The FD also has only 61 water vessels to
patrol the vast area in comparison to the total requirement of at least 120.
The wireless communication system in the area had collapsed in Cyclone Sidr in
November 2007 and it still had to be fully restored. A number of weapons used
by the forest guards too are said to be out of order for a long time.
The
participants in the meeting stressed that the FD should be properly equipped,
that there should be an increase in the number of forest guards and vessels
deployed for protection and urged the government to allocate a risk allowance
for forest employees.
Source: Tapos Kanti Das. ‘Call for strengthening
forest dept’, Daily New Age
Nearly 6000
Irrawady Dolphins found in Sundarban waters
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)
has said that a survey using rigorous scientific techniques has discovered a
population of nearly 6000 Irrawady dolphins in the fresh water regions of the
Sunderban mangroves in Bangladesh.
This
is the biggest known population of this endangered animal that was listed as
vulnerable in the IUCN Red List in 2008.
These
results were announced at the recently held First International Conference on
Marine Mammal Protected Areas in Maui, Hawaii and published in the Winter issue
of the Journal of Cetacean Research and Management. Authors of the study
include Brian D. Smith, Rubaiyat Mansur Mowgli, and Samantha Strindberg of the
Wildlife Conservation Society, along with Benazir Ahmed of the Chittagong
University in Bangladesh.
The
WCS is also working closely with the Ministry of Environment and Forests in
Bangladesh on plans for establishing a protected area network for both
Irrawaddy and Ganges River dolphins in the Sundarbans mangrove forest.
Source: ‘Huge population of rare dolphins discovered in
South Asia’, http://en.mercopress.com/2009/04/02/huge-population-of-rare-dolphins-discovered-in-south-asia
SRI
LANKA
Morningside
Forest to be declared Forest Reserve for Biodiversity Conservation
The Government of Sri Lanka had decided to designate
1,000 hectares (10 sq. kms) of the Morningside Cloud Forest as a Forest Reserve
for Biodiversity Conservation.
The
IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group had identified the forest as a top priority
area because a total of 11 globally threatened amphibians, three endemic
lizards, and three species of endemic freshwater crabs that are found here. The
forest, where Conservation International has also been working for the past
five years, is located in southeast Sri Lanka just east of the Sinharaja World
Heritage Site. An effort is also being made to finally include Morningside within
the world heritage site.
Other
organizations who supported the initiative include the Wildlife Heritage Trust
of Sri Lanka, IUCN Sri Lanka, and the Forest Department of Sri Lanka.
A
management plan is now being developed for the forest where the focus will be
on cultivating cardamom efficiently, providing revenue to the local community
without negatively impacting cloud forest trees and the threatened species that
inhabit the forest.
It
has been pointed out that nineteen species of frogs native to Sri Lanka have
gone extinct due to continuing habitat loss essentially caused by smallholder
farming activities and logging. Drought and the use of agrochemicals in
cardamom cultivation are additional threats. No other country in the world has
more documented amphibian extinctions.
Source : ‘Fighting for forest frogs’
http://www.iucn.org/about/work/programmes/species/news_events/?3061/Fighting-for-forest-frogs
23/04/09
DST Research Workshop on wildlife in the North East
The Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India is organising a
Research Workshop on Wildlife in the North East for young researchers and
investigators working in Universities, Institutes and NGOs.
The workshop will be
held in Guwahati from October 22-25, 2009.
The topics for
discussion in the workshop will include but not be restricted to human-elephant
conflict, population restoration, birds, small carnivores, habitat
fragmentation, and grasslands.
Contact: Prof DK Sharma, Head, Dept. of Zoology, Gauhati University,
Guwahati – 781014, Assam. Email: dksgu@yahoo.co.uk
5th Vatavaran Environment and Wildlife Film Festival
The 5th edition of the Centre for Media Studies (CMS) VATAVARAN –
Environment and Wildlife Film Festival will be held from October 27-31, 2009 at
the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi. The organisers have invited entries for
the festival, the theme for which is ‘Sustainable Technologies’.
The total prize money
for the festival this year will be Rs. 20 lakhs. 25 awards are to be given away
in 16 Indian categories while there will be 10 awards in nine international
categories.
Contact: Alka Tomar, Festival Director, CMS Saket Community New Delhi 110
017 INDIA. Tel: 011-26522244. Fax: 26968282. Email: submission@cmsvatavaran.org; alka@cmsindia.org Web:
www.cmsvatavaran.org
International
Workshop on Community Forestry
An international Workshop titled
‘Thinking globally – Acting locally: Community Forestry in the International
Arena is being held from September 15-18, 2009 in Pokhara, Nepal. The broad
objectives of the workshop include Sharing and presenting Nepal’s progress in Community
Forestry with a wider international audience and sharing wider international
ideas and experiences that can contribute to the future direction of Community
Forestry in Nepal and also internationally.
There are four workshop themes:
1) State and Community
Partnerships in Community Forestry;
2) Community Forestry,
Biodiversity Conservation and Provisioning of Environmental Service
3) Community forestry, Social
Inclusion and Democratic Governance
4) Community Forestry and
Economic Development.
For
more details visit http://www.communityforestryworkshop.com.np
30th Annual
Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation
The 30th Annual Symposium on
Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation will be held in Goa, India from April 27 to
29, 2010. The symposium which is conducted by the International Sea Turtle
Society (ISTS), will be coming to South Asia for the first time in 30 years.
The theme of the symposium is ‘The world of turtles’.
Pre-symposium
events will begin on the 24th of April, 2010 and regional meetings, workshops
and the Marine Turtle Specialist Group (MTSGP) meeting will be held from 24th -
26th April.
Contact: Dr. Kartik
Shanker, President ISTS. Email: kshanker@ces.iisc.ernet.in
PA related matters in
the Supreme Court in February and March 2009
·
Application against widening of NH-7 through the periphery of Pench
Mowgli Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh
·
Proposal for laying of an underground gas pipeline through the National
Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary
·
Regarding permission to remove flowered dead bamboo from Purna WLS in
Gujarat. The Central Empowered Committee layed down certain conditions which
were acceptable to the state government
In the Supreme Court' is based on the Forest Case Update, which is a web-based initiative to provide information and updates on developments related to forests and wildlife in the Supreme Court.
Contact:
Ritwick Dutta & Kanchi Kohli. Forest Case Update Editors, E-180,
Greater Kailash 2, New Delhi-110048. Email: forestcase@yahoo.com Web: www.forestcaseindia.org
Member Secretary, Central Empowered
Committee, Room No. 106, Paryavaran Bhavan, CGO Complex, Lodi Road, New Delhi -
110003. Tel: 011- 4361297
READERS WRITE
The PA Update is
very useful…
The
Protected Area Update is doing a great job of monitoring the media and other
sources for threats to and successes in conservation of the protected areas of
India.
I am a member of the Protected Areas
of India Working Group of Wikipedia and specialize in creating and editing
articles on protected areas of Tamil Nadu. I have often used information, I
first heard about in the PA Update.
I
do believe that conservation movements, environmentalism and Internet activism
can help alleviate some problems facing protected areas.
Marcus Sherman
Email:
marcus334@hotmail.com
This office of the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau is receiving the Protected Area Update regularly. The
compilation of news related to wildlife issues, concerns and conservation are
well collected in the newsletter. It was good to see the report related to the
WCCB website in the latest issue (Vol. XV No.2 April 2009 (No.78)).
You would be aware that
Ministry of Environment and Forests, Govt of India has constituted the Wildlife
Crime Control Bureau under section 38 (y) with a mandate to combat the wildlife
crime in the country.
Ramesh
Pandey
Regional Deputy Director,
WCCB (Northern Region)
Bikaner House, Annexe-5
Shahjahan Road, New Delhi, 110011
Email: ddnrwildlife@yahoo.co.in
A great loss…
I read the recent issue of PA Update (Vol. XV, No. 1, January 2009)
with interest. I was also very sad to hear of the sudden demise of Ravi
Sankaran at such a young age. He was really a nice person and good company as
well. We miss him tremendously.
I read about the controversies
regarding the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve. Another problem is the proposed INO
observatory in the buffer zone of the Tiger Reserve. Many of the physicists
including Dr. Abdul Kalam are pushing to locate this industrial scale project
at the heart of a region that is already badly affected by unplanned growth.
This is an issue of great concern.
Dr. Priya Davidar
Dean, School of Life, Sciences Pondicherry University Kalapet, Pondicherry 605 014.
Email: pdavidar@gmail.com
No
hope without people’s participation…
I was surprised to see the news item ‘State-of-the-art technology to
fight fires in Mussoorie Forest Division’, in the latest issue of the Protected Area Update (Vol. XV, No. 2,
April 2009). Most people in Uttarakhand will regard it as a cruel joke.
You may have already
gathered from the national media that the forests of Uttarakhand are on fire,
almost throughout the state. I saw this
on my recent tour. Valley after valley
is covered with a pall of smoke or haze.
The sad part is that
almost nowhere do you see anybody -- Forest Department (FD) or the local people -- trying to put out the
fires. The tremendous zeal of the people
to protect forests, shown in the heydays of the Chipko movement, has died out.
There are some isolated cases where voluntary organisations have been able to
inspire people to protect forests, but otherwise the callousness of the FD has
totally alienated them from protecting government forests.
The Forest Department’s
reliance on technology is just a money-making stunt of its officers. Without people’s ownership of forests, there
is no hope. It is high time that we took a good fresh look at the issue of
managing forests and got the FD out of the forests. At least the degraded areas should be taken
back from the FD and handed over to local communities. Can you imagine anyone taking farm land from
the farmers and entrusting it to the Agriculture Department in the hope that it
will feed the nation?
I would therefore
request you to be a bit selective and sift real news from the press releases of
government departments.
Ravi
Chopra
Peoples' Science Institute
252/I Vasant Vihar, Dehra Doon
248006
Uttarakhand. INDIA
Tel: 0135-2773849/ 2763649. Fax:
2762516.
Email: psiddoon@gmail.com Web:
http://www.peoplesscienceinstitute.co
